Americans Oppose AI Data Centers in Their Communities

A recent Gallup survey reveals that over 70 percent of Americans are against the construction of AI data centers in their neighborhoods. Only 7 percent expressed strong support for these facilities. The aversion is so pronounced that many would rather live near a nuclear power plant than a data center, with opposition to nuclear construction peaking at 63 percent.

The Gallup findings stem from a March 2026 survey involving 1,000 randomly selected adults across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, along with an April 2026 survey of 2,054 members of the Gallup Panel. Among those opposed, half cited concerns about the impact of data centers on essential resources like water and electricity. A recent Pew Research survey echoed these sentiments, indicating that 43 percent of Americans see data centers as a significant factor in rising power bills.

The strongest opposition came from Democrats, with 75 percent against new data centers, followed closely by 74 percent of independents and 63 percent of Republicans. Respondents also pointed to quality-of-life issues, cost of living increases, pollution, and negative perceptions of AI as key reasons for their disapproval. Conversely, among those in favor of data centers, 55 percent highlighted job creation as their primary motivation. Maine’s governor, Janet Mills, also emphasized job opportunities when she vetoed an 18-month moratorium on new data center construction in her state earlier this year.